Men’s basketball (0-3 overall, 0-0 ASUN) had a hard fought loss against VCU(2-0) in Richmond, VA. This is the squad’s third game on the road in less than a week. 

The beginning of the first half was close with five lead changes, until the Rams took a 16-8 lead. However, the Ospreys came back by making a 16-7 run.

The end of the quarter was tight with a 43-43 tie, but Rams went on a 7-2  run to finish the half.

At the break, North Florida trailed  50-45 in the Wade Arena/ Siegel Center.

VCU started the second half strong by making a 10 point lead. With 2:56 remaining, North Florida brought the score back in range 88-85 but it wouldn’t be enough.

The Rams sealed the victory from the free throw line.

JT Escobar knocked down seven of the Ospreys’ 17 three-pointers during the matchup. Escobar had career-high 23 points to lead four other teammates who finished in double digits. Wajid Aminu and Garrett Sams both had double double performances. 

Coach Matthew Driscoll was excited with the performance of the game no matter the outcome.

“If you are a fan of college basketball than you loved watching this game with all the three-pointers and fast paced play,” Driscoll said. “ I was proud of how resilient the guys played and never broke to the VCU pressure.”

The Ospreys play No. 7 University of Florida Nov. 16  at 7 p.m. in Gainesville, Fla.  

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